OPERATION AND STRENGTHENING OF
FARM INFORMATION AND
ADVISORY CENTRE (FIAC)
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Babhaleshwar has been organizing various training programme for the extension functionaries. There are 13 FIACs operating within the Ahmednagar District under the aegis of ATMA Ahmednagar.The FIACs can become effective chain under the extension system and strengthen further the technology transfer system within the district by filling critical gaps in training and HRD needs of the FIAC operators. Recently the KVK had conducted a training for the FIAC operators for providing HRD inputs for strengthening their FIAC operations for three days in their respective areas. The training was an instant success for providing the HRD inputs however it was pointed out by all of the FIAC operators that there is a need of providing comprehensive skills restricted to certain identified areas of all FIAC operators. The useful feedback was noted and it was proposed to undertake a comprehensive training for certain identified components for the FIAC operators and to strengthen the FIAC operations and bring in sustainability among the FIACs.
Objectives:
The KVK would undertake activities for the FIAC operators for following purposes:
1. To work as continuous resource organization for FIACs for extending all technical support.
2. To act as consultant for FIACs for providing solutions to the problems regarding
a. Building their rapport with farmer
b. Identification & Implementation of local need based programs and activities.
c. Help build up services and inputs.
3. To help them in ways so that the FIACs become self reliant and sustainable.
4. To provide backup support for the FIAC operators for successful operations within the respective areas.
5. To help develop human resources through people’s participatory programmes.
6. To build up rapport with FIACs for providing extension services in respective Talukas.
7. To develop human resources in the identified areas through exposure visits.
8. To develop communication and technology delivery among FIAC operators through maximum utilization of Information Technology.
EXPECTATIONS FROM FIAC UNITS
IN AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
Ø The location of the FIAC should be near the place of farmers routine visit like market yard/Milk collection centre/seed farm/nursery/main road.
Ø The communication facilities should be well in place especially the Telephone & Fax should be operational. If the gadgets have not be transferred alternative arrangement should be made and operational expenses be met from commercial services.
Ø Internet should be operational and information services be provided on charged basis to meet the expenses.
Ø Proper display of all training aids like charts, posters, display boards should be made on the walls of the FIAC halls.
Ø Alternative Power supply arrangement wherever be made if not available.
Ø Ideally
there should be a minimum staff which should be at least three.
Ø One
person should always be working for providing advisory service based on plot
visits at the farmers’ field.
Ø Two
persons should be at the FIAC centre, one for providing Internet based
information & consultancy service and other for providing input
supply/other commercial service at the FIAC.
Ø The
expenses on human resources should be met from commercialized services from the
FIAC unit.
All such activities related to agriculture and agri-based enterprises that have a strong positive impact on improving the socio-economic conditions of the farmers and are of immediate interest for the farmers should be displayed, demonstrated and its information made available on paid basis.
Different commercial activities should be looked into at the FIAC unit as:
All those inputs that are not available in other Agro Service Centres or are not available in that region should be kept for sale on top priority.
Training and Demonstration programs are to be undertaken only if the programs are covered under Project-based extension/other Supportive Projects or are supported financially by the farmers.
Alternatively if the farmers are to be provided these services they should be made members of the FIAC unit on paid basis, the subscription of which should be renewed every year.
The literature and publications should be made available to the farmers again by paid basis.
ANNUAL EXPENDITURE:
1. Salary for 3 persons @ Rs. 2000 pm 72,000/-
2. Plot visits @Rs. 1.50/km (50 km X 25 days X 12 months) 22,500/-
3. Telephone and Internet Expenses 24,000/-
4. Stationery expenses @ Rs 1000 per month 12,000/-
5. Sundry (Power, repair, miscellaneous exp) 10,000/-
ANNUAL INCOME:
1. Subscription of farmers 150 farmers @ Rs 50/month 90,000/-
2. Sale of Agri-Inputs 25,000/-
3. Project based extension. Training, Demonstration 10,000/-
4. Literature/Publications/Projects Reports 6,000/-
5. Crop Consultancy & other advisory service 10,000/-
All the activities like training demonstration, exhibition, advisory visits, seminars etc. should be well planned to meet out the expenditure and should be carried out only if it is self supportive or externally aided or farmer supported. Rest of the farmer oriented programmes be carried out only at the FIAC unit.
Record and Documentation has to be maintained to be furnished to ATMA/KVK on monthly basis.
The registers to be maintained are:
NATIONAL
AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY PROJECT
AGRICULTURAL
TECHNOLOGY ANAGEMENT AGENCY (ATMA) AHMEDNAGAR
FARM INFORMATION
AND ADVISORY CENTRE MONTHLY REPORT
NAME OF THE OPERATOR
NO. OF DAYS ON WHICH OPERATOR PRESENT:
A) Information and Advisory Service
|
Sr No |
Program |
Monthly |
Cumulative |
|
01 |
Internet use (Hours) |
|
|
|
02 |
Telephone based inquiries (No.) |
|
|
|
03 |
Plant Protection advisory (No.) |
|
|
|
04 |
Soil Testing (No.) |
|
|
|
05 |
Seeds/Seedling information (No.) |
|
|
|
06 |
Market Information (No.) |
|
|
|
07 |
Any other |
|
|
B) Agricultural Extension Programmes:
|
Sr No |
Program |
Monthly No. and (No. of Beneficiaries) |
Cumulative No. and (No. of Beneficiaries) |
|
01 |
Training |
|
|
|
02 |
Crop Demonstrations |
|
|
|
03 |
Field Visits |
|
|
|
04 |
Field days/Discussions/Seminars |
|
|
|
05 |
Exhibitions |
|
|
|
06 |
Any other program |
|
|
Monthly Expenditure (Rs.):
Monthly Receipts (Rs.):
All above should be furnished based on the documentation and record in the log register.
|
Sr No. |
Activities |
No. |
Duration |
Tentative Date |
|
01 |
Monitoring & Facilitation Visit by KVK Team |
01/month |
01 day |
I or II week of every month |
|
02 |
Training on PRA Tools |
01 |
03 days |
I week of July |
|
03 |
Brainstorming session for Preparation of Strategic Plan for FIACs |
01 |
03 days |
III week of July |
|
04 |
Technical Training based on Problems & Needs |
01 |
03 days |
IV week of July |
|
05 |
ICT Training |
01 |
02 days |
I week of August |
|
06 |
Review Meet |
02 |
01 day |
II week of September & IV week of November |
|
07 |
Report of Monitoring & Evaluation of FIACs to ATMA |
06 |
01 |
II week of each month |
|
08 |
Exposure Visit of FIAC Operators |
01 |
05 days |
II week of October |
Programme schedule is tentative and likely to be altered with mutual adjustments.